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Crystal Krebs will again coach Lewis-Palmer softball team

Crystal Krebs thought she was finished as head coach of Lewis-Palmer softball.

But one season as an assistant for the Rangers relit the fire for being in charge.

Krebs is back at it, returning as the Lewis-Palmer softball head coach.

"It kind of rejuvenated me," said Krebs, who was inducted into the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Hall of Fame on Friday. "And I've been playing since I was 10. I needed a break and felt it rejuvenated me, so I'm excited to get back into it. I enjoy coaching."

Krebs will be in charge for her fifth season at Lewis-Palmer, her eighth as a member of the staff. She coached the Rangers into the semifinals of the 2010 state tournament behind two impressive pitchers in Mariah Peterson and Kelli Henry.

This fall, Krebs has another two pitchers to rely on: Syd Henthorn and Barb Nigon.

"In the sport of softball, you can have all the hitting and defense," said Krebs, who was a two-time All-American as a catcher at Colorado-Colorado Springs. "But if you don't have the pitching, that can be a hitch.

"It's awesome to have two strong dominant pitchers."

The Rangers went 8-11-1 in Greg Powell's one year in charge. The Rangers bring nine seniors to what Krebs expects will be a 10-12 player squad.

Third baseman Melanie Farmer will be the team's only four-year letter-winner and was part of the 2010 team that reached state. Krebs expects Farmer and several of the other seniors to lead the team.

"Strong teams usually come from strong leaders," Krebs said. "I'm excited to see what develops. You never know until the season hits."